TILLAMOOK, ORE. – Cheeses and spreads from Tillamook County Creamery Association collected a combined six awards at the 2023 United States Championship Cheese Contest.

Tillamook products picked up three first place honors at the biennial competition, which featured 2,249 entries from 197 dairy companies and cooperatives. The Oregon-based, farmer-owned cooperative’s first-place winners were: Seriously Strawberry Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread (spreadable natural cheeses category), Farmers' Collection Spicy Habanero Jack (pepper flavored Monterey Jack, high heat) and Farmers' Collection Hickory Smoked Cheddar (open class, smoked hard cheeses).

Original Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread took second in spreadable natural cheeses, while Tillamook’s third-place products were Medium Cheddar (cheddar, medium, three to six months) and Jalapeno Honey Farmstyle Cream Cheese Spread (spreadable natural cheeses).

The cooperative also was represented at the event in Green Bay, Wis., by its director of product excellence, Jill Allen, who served as a contest judge for the 10^th time. Plus, senior product development scientist Anna Ku judged at the contest for the first time.

"It's always an honor to have our hard work featured among the best of the best, and with nearly 2,500 entries, this year's contest was especially competitive," Allen said. "At TCCA, we pride ourselves on using quality ingredients and never cutting corners, and it's exciting for that 114-year-old commitment to be recognized at such a prestigious level."

The complete list of gold, silver and bronze award winners from each class of the competition can be found online at the US Championship Cheese Contest website.